Whitehorse Daily Star

Image title

Photo by Photo Submitted

GOOD SHOW – From left: Hannah King, Jacob Melanson, Shayne Melanson, Daniel Tonner (front) and Bianca Ockedahl enjoyed the Steveston Judo Tournament. Photo courtesy BIANCA OCKEDAHL

Tonner, King earn hard-fought medals at judo meet

Two young Yukon judokas took home medals from a tournament in B.C. last Saturday.

By Whitehorse Star on November 26, 2014

Two young Yukon judokas took home medals from a tournament in B.C. last Saturday.

Daniel Tonner won each of his four matches in the U12 category to earn gold at the Steveston Judo Tournament in Richmond, while Hannah King earned a hard-fought silver fighting in a higher-ranked category than usual.

“I fought good, and even though I won gold, I still have some things to work on,” Tonner said humbly.

King went 2-1 in the U16 -63 kg to earn silver.

“I think my tournament went well and it was fun,” she said of her bouts.

Brothers Jacob and Shayne Melanson also attended the meet, fighting in classes above their usual weight.

Jacob Melanson battled some tough opponents in the U18 -66 kg class and returned home with some experience in his pocket.

The tournament served as continued preparation for the young man, who will represent the Yukon at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George this February. There, he will fight in the -60 kg category.

Meanwhile, Shayne Melanson fought in a brand-new U16 category in -73 kg, up from his previous class of -66 kg.

“It is a new weight category and they are stronger,” Shayne Melanson said of his opponents. “I’m going home with some experience and knowledge on what I need to work on before the next tournament. I am motivated to make it to the top of the podium.”

Judo Yukon head coach Bianca Ockedahl said the experience was a good one for her young troops.

“I was happy with what I saw,” she told the Star. “I saw improvements in everyone. I think everyone fought hard and well, and they are all coming back with more motivation to do even better at the next one.

“It is a good tournament for us and we will bring more competitors next year. Now, we will go home and work on a few things before the next tournaments and training camps.”

Be the first to comment

Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar

In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.

Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.